Ground Conditions

Heavy equipment requires a surface or ground that can support its weight. "Ground conditions" refer to the capacity of the ground (including slope, compaction, and firmness) to support the equipment. Items such as blocking, mats, cribbing, or marsh buggies may be used to increase the ground's stability.

If ground condition requirements are not met, the employer must speak with the controlling entity about necessary ground preparations, including the use of supporting materials, to make the site ready for safe operations. No equipment may be used or assembled until ground conditions can properly support it.

Please note that these requirements do not apply to cranes for railroad tracks. These requirements are in the Federal Railroad Administration code 49 CFR §213.

To learn more about Crane, Derrick & Hoist visit our Crane, Derrick & Hoist Safety Online Training web page.